How do you know that the revulsion and contempt
that possessed you during the shoot
wasn't pure, undiluted jealousy: not
wanting to share Laura with the others...?

I don't. I think it was the—transparently fake—way

(while the two gray-haired factotums
were unloading roll one)
                                   
                                                the wife walked
down the empty aisle at a stately pace,
brandishing a long-stemmed rose,
which she handed to Laura

who appeared to think it was a gift,
and not a fetish-object to add spice
to Act Two when she again disrobed...;

and not as something she was meant to hold
to contrast with her stark nakedness
on stage
           
when they threw a switch and the kliegs
illuminated her alone on the proscenium arch.

They wanted to throw more light on the matter.
 
I asked about the tacky purple backdrop.

They patronized my question by answering with shrugs.

Like "bug-off"kid.

I kept my        jacket on (collar

up) and crouched in the rear
of the auditorium, gnawing
on my anger.